Mark Kelly says he has no plans to seek public office

WASHINGTON -- Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of wounded Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, scoffed Friday at speculation that he might run for public office.

He joked that it must be a slow news summer and teased reporters at the National Press Club by saying he'd go into more detail about his future plans "next week when I visit Iowa and New Hampshire." The two states are favorite travel spots for aspiring presidential candidates.

"She (Giffords) is the politician in the family; I'm the space guy," Kelly said. "And I see no reason to change that now."

Kelly announced last week that he plans to retire from NASA and from the Navy, both effective Oct. 1. The Navy captain is a veteran of four space shuttle missions, most recently serving as commander of the shuttle flight in May.

His announcement created speculation that he might run for public office, possibly the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Jon Kyl or even for Giffords' seat.

The congresswoman has not said whether she will seek re-election in 2012. She was shot in the head Jan. 8 as she was hosting an event for constituents at a grocery store near Tucson.

"My main focus, right now and for the foreseeable future, is Gabby's recovery," Kelly said. He said he also wants to spend more time with his two teenage daughters.

Kelly spoke briefly at a press club luncheon where his boss, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, was the keynote speaker.

Kelly said he can't help but be a bit sad as he looks ahead to next week's final shuttle launch.

"I love Gabby very much, but I also have to say that I love the space shuttle very much," he said.

He said he envisions the next generation of astronauts being able to travel to asteroids and other places he will never go.

"It's been a tremendous honor to be an astronaut and to follow in the footsteps of so many great pioneers," he said.

Kelly said Giffords is "doing very well" and is strengthened by all the good wishes coming from Washington and throughout the country.

"She's sorry she can't be here today," he said.

Bolden, before beginning his speech, showed the audience a bright blue band that he wears on his right wrist in Giffords' honor.

"It's my I love Gabby band,' " he said. Bolden said he recently got to meet the pope, who blessed the band in honor of the Jewish congresswoman.